DSEI UK and DSEI Gateway are proud to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s mission to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are driving innovation across the defence sector.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the largest sustained increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War, SMEs are firmly in the spotlight. Recognised as the backbone of the UK economy and vital to national security through their role in the supply chain, SMEs now benefit from £2.5 billion in new spend targets and a dedicated Support Centre outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.
In response, the UK MoD is committed to helping SMEs thrive at DSEI UK - connecting them with opportunities, resources, and expert guidance to succeed in global markets.
Content Tailored Specifically for SMEs
Across the week of DSEI UK 2025, UK MoD will be holding a series of events offering SMEs and new suppliers to the UK defence sector opportunities to hear first-hand about how MoD procure and how they are making it easier to work with.
There will be regular presentations on how the UK MoD work and networking sessions, along with opportunities to meet 1-2-1 with MoD officials to discuss your specific needs and the opportunities that currently exist in UK defence.
SME events at DSEI UK
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app
09 Sep 2025
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ICC Level 3 - Room 9
UK MoD’s Director General for Commercial and Industry, Jim Carter, and others will explain how the department is helping SMEs benefit fully from the government’s historic uplift in defence spending. MoD is making it simpler to work in UK defence, building SME participation into every segment of defence procurement. The session will include an opportunity to network with representatives from UK defence, industry and wider government on topics including defence procurement, innovation and exports.
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app.
10 Sep 2025
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ICC Level 3 - Room 9
Commercial X is driving the end-to-end, fast-paced acquisition of groundbreaking innovative and digital capability needed to ensure our war fighters are fit for the future and increase value to Defence. Meet the MoD’s SME Lead and the Commercial X team, to learn about how we’re working with suppliers to address entry barriers to MoD for SMEs.
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app.
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ICC Level 3 - Room 9
In this session you will learn more about UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), regional growth and the future vision of the Regional Defence and Security Clusters (RDSC). Listen to expert presentations, a panel discussion with RDSC leaders, and network with MoD representatives and the RDSCs from across the UK.
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app.
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ICC Level 3 - Room 10
The Test & Evaluation (T&E) Transformation programme is MoD’s response to the challenges of assuring increasingly complex military systems. Key projects are being delivered in its delivery phase which require broad consultation and input from all of industry
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app.
11 Sep 2025
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ICC Level 3 - Room 9
Many organisations struggle to collect and manage supplier data. JOSCAR community members tackle due diligence together. In this session, learn insights into how JOSCAR supports both buyers and suppliers in achieving compliance and resilience. Meet and network with MoD SME leads, JOSCAR, and its buying organisations.
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app.
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ICC Level 3 - Room 9
In August, the MoD piloted a new approach to engaging with industry on capability and capacity prior to procurement. This session will share lessons learned and outline plans to refine the concept for improved procurement outcomes and growth in the UK Defence Industrial Sector.
The following events are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the DSEI Gateway app.
Benefits of attending DSEI UK
Business Networking
- Connect with prime contractors, military delegations, and government officials.
- Participate in B2B and B2G matchmaking using DSEI Gateway to create real business opportunities.
- Build relationships with buyers, investors, and expand your network across the land, naval, air, cyber, and space sectors.
Government Engagement
- Meet MoD procurement teams, policymakers, and innovation funding bodies.
- Learn about upcoming defence tenders, contracts, and SME-focused defence programmes.
- Help shape the future of defence capability through direct engagement.
International Expansion
- Promote your products to a global audience and explore export opportunities with over 90 countries.
- Engage with international delegations seeking SME innovation.
- Access support from UK Defence Exports to become export ready.
Brand Exposure
- Showcase your cutting-edge capabilities to a targeted, high-profile audience through DSEI Gateway.
- Be seen in high-traffic SME areas like the Technology zone, Manufacturing Hub, and Medical Hub.
- Gain media exposure and increase your visibility across the global defence ecosystem.
Supply Chain Integration
- Engage with high-profile defence contractors seeking SME partners.
- Forge partnerships with global primes including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Thales.
- Get recognized as a critical supplier in the defence and security ecosystem.
Technology Showcase
- Highlight your expertise in AI, cyber security, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing.
- Participate in live demos, showcases, and innovation presentations.
- Gain exclusive insights into R&D funding opportunities and industry collaborations.
